For the fourth time in the history of the Republic its chief
magistrate has been removed by death. All hearts are filled with
grief and horror at the hideous crime which has darkened our land,
and the memory of the murdered President, his protracted sufferings,
his unyielding fortitude, the example and achievements of his life
and the pathos of his death will forever illumine the pages of our
history.
For the fourth time, the officer elected by the people and ordained
by the constitution to fill a vacancy so created, is called to
assume the executive chair. The wisdom of our fathers, foreseeing
even the most dire possibilities, made sure that the government
should never be imperiled because of the uncertainty of human
life. Men may die but the fabric of our free institutions remains
unshaken. No higher or more assuring proof could exist of the
strength and permanence of popular government than the fact that
though the chosen of the people be struck down, his constitutional
successor is peacefully installed without shock or strain except
that of the sorrow which mourns the bereavement. All the noble
aspirations of my lamented predecessor, which found expression
during his life, the measures devised and suggested during his brief
administration to correct abuses, to enforce economy, to advance
prosperity, to promote the general welfare, to insure domestic
security and maintain friendly and honorable relations with the
nations of the earth, will be garnered in the hearts of the people
and it will be my earnest endeavor to profit and to see that the
nation shall profit by his example and experience.
Prosperity blesses our country. Our fiscal policy as fixed by law
is well-grounded and generally approved. No threatening issue mars
our foreign intercourse and the wisdom, integrity, and thrift of our
people may be trusted to continue undisturbed the present career of
peace, tranquillity, and welfare. The gloom and anxiety which have
enshrouded the country must make repose especially welcome now. No
demand for speedy legislation has been heard; no adequate occasion
is apparent for an unusual session of Congress. The constitution
defines the functions and powers of the executive as clearly as
those of either of the other two departments of the government, and
he must answer for the just exercise of the discretion it permits
and the performance of the duties it imposes. Summoned to these
high duties and responsibilities, and profoundly conscious of their
magnitude and gravity, I assume the trust imposed by the
constitution, relying for aid on divine guidance and on the virtue,
patriotism, and intelligence of the American people.